Methods and apparatus for producing a lenticular novelty item at a point of purchase

ABSTRACT

A composite image generator for producing a lenticular novelty item at a point of purchase is disclosed. The composite image generator receives a theme selection and a captured digital image. Images associated with the selected theme and the captured digital image are then interlaced and/or combined to produce a final composite image. The final composite image is printed and a lenticular surface is applied to produce the lenticular novelty item at a point of purchase.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates in general to digital imaging and,in particular, to methods and apparatus for producing a lenticularnovelty item at a point of purchase.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Creating a three dimensional effect by placing a lenticularsurface over a composite image is well known (see U.S. Pat. No.5,543,964 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,924,870 both incorporated herein byreference). Lenticular images are frequently used by advertisers in theform of posters, compact disk covers, video tape covers, video gamecovers, etc.

[0003] However, due to the time and expense associated with creating alenticular image in the traditional manner, prior art uses of lenticularimages is primarily limited to businesses with large advertisingbudgets. The average consumer is unable to purchase a “novelty”lenticular image. Practically speaking, customers cannot purchase aninexpensive lenticular image which includes a digital photograph of thecustomer incorporated into a customer selected theme. For example, whileat an amusement park, a customer may wish to purchase a lenticular imagewhich includes a picture of his children and selected charactersassociated with the amusement park.

[0004] In addition, prior art methods require all of the images used inthe composite image to be available prior to the interlacing process.However, the interlacing process can be time consuming. As a result,services which create a composite image incorporating a digital image ofthe customer taken at the point of purchase while the customer waits maybe impractical.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Features and advantages of the disclosed system will be apparentto those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the detaileddescription of exemplary embodiments which is made with reference to thedrawings, a brief description of which is provided below.

[0006]FIG. 1 is a high level block diagram of a retail point of purchasesystem illustrating an exemplary environment of use for the disclosedsystem.

[0007]FIG. 2 is a high level block diagram of a communications systemillustrating an exemplary environment of use for the disclosed system.

[0008]FIG. 3 is a more detailed block diagram of one of the clientdevices illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0009]FIG. 4 is a more detailed block diagram showing one embodiment ofthe composite image generator illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0010]FIG. 5 is a more detailed block diagram showing another embodimentof the composite image generator illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0011]FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a process for generating a multiplecomposite image.

[0012]FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a process for producing a lenticularnovelty item at a point of purchase.

[0013]FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a process for producing a lenticularnovelty item interactively via the Internet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0014] In general, a composite image generator for producing alenticular novelty item at a point of purchase is disclosed. Thecomposite image generator receives a theme selection and a captureddigital image. Images associated with the selected theme and thecaptured digital image are then interlaced and/or combined to produce afinal composite image. The final composite image is printed and alenticular surface is applied to produce the lenticular novelty item ata point of purchase.

[0015] A high level block diagram of a retail point of purchase systemillustrating an exemplary environment of use for the disclosed system isillustrated in FIG. 1. In a preferred embodiment, a person 102 ispositioned at a predetermined location 104. Preferably, thepredetermined location 104 is located a certain distance from a light106, a digital camera 108, and a backdrop 110. The light 106 may be anytype of light, such as an incandescent light and/or a camera flash. Thedigital camera 108 may be any type of digital camera, such as a digitalstill camera and/or a digital video camera. Preferably, the digitalcamera 108 is a high resolution digital camera. Preferably, the backdrop110 is a solid color, such as green.

[0016] Once the person 102 is properly positioned, one or more digitalimages are captured by the digital camera 108. The captured digitalimages are then transferred to a composite image generator 112. In thepreferred embodiment, the composite image generator 112 is a personalcomputer programmed to generate composite images using a captureddigital image and selected theme images as described in detail below. Acomposite image is an image which includes two or more interlacedframes. To a person viewing the composite image, the frames are visuallyseparated from each other by a lenticular surface.

[0017] Each composite image generated by the composite image generator112 is then printed on a printer 114 to produce a printed image 116. Anytype of printer 114, such as a ink jet printer, a dot matrix printer, ora laser printer, may be used. In the preferred embodiment, a highresolution color printer is used. The paper the image is printed on maybe any type of paper. Preferably, a heavy stock white paper is used.

[0018] A lenticular sheet 118 is then affixed to the printed image 1 16to produce a “three dimensional” lenticular novelty item 120. Any typeof lenticular sheet 118 may be used. Preferably, the width of the lensesin the lenticular sheet 118 allows for an integer number of dots to beprinted by the printer 114 under each lens. Preferably, the lenticularsheet 118 is made of plastic and includes adhesive which may be exposedby peeling back a disposable layer of material.

[0019] A high level block diagram of a communications systemillustrating an exemplary environment of use for the disclosed system isillustrated in FIG. 2. Typically, the system includes one or more clientdevices 202 and one or more composite image generators 112. Each ofthese devices may communicate with each other via a connection to theInternet or some other wide area network 204.

[0020] Typically, a composite image generator 112 stores a plurality offiles, programs, and/or web pages for use by the client devices 202. Onecomposite image generator 112 may handle requests from a large number ofclients 202. Accordingly, each composite image generator 112 istypically a high end computer with a large storage capacity, one or morefast microprocessors, and one or more high speed network connections.Conversely, relative to a typical composite image generator 112, eachclient device 202 typically includes less storage capacity, a singlemicroprocessor, and a single network connection.

[0021] A more detailed block diagram of a client device 202 isillustrated in FIG. 3. Preferably, the client device 202 is a personalcomputer (PC). However, a person of ordinary skill in the art willreadily appreciate that many different computing devices may beprogrammed to perform the functions of the client device 202. The client102 includes a controller 302 which preferably includes a centralprocessing unit 304 electrically coupled by an address/data bus 306 to amemory device 308 and an interface circuit 310. The CPU 304 may be anytype of well known CPU, such as an Intel Pentium™ processor. The memorydevice 308 preferably includes volatile memory and non-volatile memory.Preferably, the memory device 308 stores a software program thatinteracts with the composite image generator 112 as described below.This program may be executed by the CPU 304 in a well known manner. Thememory device 308 may also store digital data indicative of documents,files, programs, web pages, etc. retrieved from a composite imagegenerator 112 and/or loaded via an input device 312.

[0022] The interface circuit 310 may be implemented using any type ofwell known interface standard, such as an Ethernet interface and/or aUniversal Serial Bus (USB) interface. One or more input devices 312 maybe connected to the interface circuit 310 for entering data and commandsinto the controller 302. For example, the input device 312 may be akeyboard, mouse, touch screen, track pad, track ball, isopoint, and/or avoice recognition system.

[0023] One or more displays, printers, speakers, and/or other outputdevices 314 may also be connected to the controller 302 via theinterface circuit 310. The display 314 may be cathode ray tube (CRTs),liquid crystal displays (LCDs), or any other type of display. Thedisplay 314 generates visual displays of data generated during operationof the client 202. The display 314 is typically used to display webpages received from the composite image generator 112. The visualdisplays may include prompts for human operator input, still graphicsand/or animations representing theme choices, still graphics and/oranimations representing generated composite images, run time statistics,calculated values, detected data, etc.

[0024] The client 202 may also exchange data with other devices via aconnection to the network 204. The network connection may be any type ofnetwork connection, such as an Ethernet connection, digital subscriberline (DSL), telephone line, coaxial cable, etc. Users of the system maybe required to register with the composite image generator 112. In suchan instance, each user may choose a user identifier and a password whichmay be required for the activation of services. The user identifier andpassword may be passed across the network 204 using encryption builtinto the user's browser. Alternatively, the user identifier and/orpassword may be assigned by the composite image generator 112.

[0025] A more detailed block diagram of a composite image generator 112is illustrated in FIG. 4. Like the client device 202, the controller 402in the composite image generator 112 preferably includes a centralprocessing unit 404 electrically coupled by an address/data bus 406 to amemory device 408 and an interface circuit 410. However, the controller402 in the composite image generator 112 is typically more powerful thanthe client controller 302. Again, the CPU 404 may be any type of wellknown CPU, such as an Intel Pentium™ processor, and the memory device408 preferably includes volatile memory and non-volatile memory.

[0026] Preferably, the memory device 408 stores a software program thatimplements all or part of the method described below. This program maybe executed by the CPU 404 in a well known manner. However, some of thesteps described in the method below may be performed manually or withoutthe use of the composite image generator 112. The memory device 408and/or a separate database 414 also store files, programs, web pages,etc. for use by the composite image generator 112 and/or the clientdevices 202.

[0027] One or more input devices 412 may be connected to the interfacecircuit 410 for entering data and commands into the controller 402. Forexample, the input device 412 may be a keyboard, mouse, digital camera,touch screen, track pad, track ball, isopoint, and/or a voicerecognition system.

[0028] One or more displays, printers, speakers, and/or other outputdevices 416 may also be connected to the controller 402 via theinterface circuit 410. Like the client device 202, the display 416 maybe cathode ray tube (CRTs), liquid crystal displays (LCDs), or any othertype of display. The display 416 generates visual displays of datagenerated during operation of the composite image generator 112. Thevisual displays may include prompts for human operator input, stillgraphics and/or animations representing theme choices, still graphicsand/or animations representing generated composite images, run timestatistics, calculated values, detected data, etc.

[0029] The composite image generator 112 may exchange data with otherdevices via a connection to the network 204. The interface circuit 410may be implemented using any data transceiver, such as an Ethernettransceiver. The network 204 may be any type of network, such as a localarea network (LAN) and/or the Internet.

[0030] A more detailed block diagram of another embodiment of thecomposite image generator 112 is illustrated in FIG. 5. In thisembodiment, the composite image generator 112 includes a plurality ofinterconnected modules 502-516. Preferably, each of the modules 502-516is operatively coupled to each of the other modules 502-516. Each of themodules may be implemented by a microprocessor executing softwareinstructions and/or conventional electronic circuitry. In addition, aperson of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that certainmodules may be combined or divided according to customary designconstraints.

[0031] For the purpose of receiving user inputs, the composite imagegenerator 112 includes a user input module 502. The user input module502 is operatively coupled to one or more input devices 412. The userinput module 502 may be implemented using any well known interfacestandard such as a USB interface. The user input module 502 preferablyaccepts inputs from a customer and/or an operator. For example, the userinput module 502 preferably accepts inputs from a customer or anoperator indicative of a customer selection. The customer selection mayidentify one of a plurality of predetermined themes. In a preferredembodiment, a graphical user interface showing graphical representationsof a plurality of predetermined themes is displayed to facilitate atheme selection.

[0032] In addition, the user input module 502 may receive alignmentinputs. The alignment inputs cause a change in relative proximity of acaptured digital image and an associated background image, foregroundimage, and/or interior image. In other words, alignment inputsfacilitate alignment of the various layers which make up the finalcomposite image.

[0033] For the purpose of capturing a digital image, the composite imagegenerator 112 includes a digital image capture module 504. The digitalimage capture module 504 is operatively coupled to the digital camera108. The digital image capture module 504 preferably captures a digitalimage at the point of purchase.

[0034] For the purpose of storing and retrieving digital data, thecomposite image generator 112 includes a memory device 414. The memorydevice 414 is operatively coupled to the user input module 502. Thememory device preferably stores a plurality of themes, including theidentified theme. Preferably, the identified theme includes a foregroundimage, an interior image, and a background image. The foreground imageand/or the background image may be stored as composite images ornon-composite images prior to use in a final composite image.Preferably, the interior image is stored as a non-composite image to beinterlaced with a captured image. The memory device 414 may also storecaptured digital images, web pages, software programs, and other datafiles.

[0035] For the purpose of receiving web page requests, digital images,theme data, theme selections, alignment inputs, and other data, thecomposite image generator 112 includes a network receiver 506. Thenetwork receiver 402 is operatively coupled to the network 204 and theother modules of the composite image generator 112 in a well knownmanner. For example, the network receiver 506 may be an Ethernetinterface circuit electrically coupled to the Internet via an Ethernetcable.

[0036] For the purpose of interlacing images, the composite imagegenerator 112 includes an interlacer 508. The interlacer 508 isoperatively coupled to the memory device 414, the user input module 502,the digital image capture module 504 and/or the network receiver 506.The interlacer 508 generates a composite image from two or more digitalimages by merging slices of the digital images in a well known manner.Preferably, the interlacer 508 receives an interior image associatedwith the selected theme from the memory device 414. In addition, theinterlacer 508 preferably receives a captured digital image (e.g., aperson's face) from at least one of the user input module 502, thedigital image capture module 504 and/or the network receiver 506. Theinterlacer 508 preferably generates a composite interior image byinterlacing the interior image associated with the selected theme andthe captured digital image. The interlacer 508 may also be used tointerlace background images, foreground images, and/or previouslycombined images.

[0037] For the purpose of combing digital images, the composite imagegenerator 112 includes an integration module 510. The integration module510 is operatively coupled to the memory module 414, the digital imagecapture module 504, and the interlacer 508. The integration module 510combines composite and/or non-composite images. In the preferredembodiment, the integration module 510 combines a composite backgroundimage, a composite interior image, and a composite foreground image tocreate a multiple composite image. The composite background image andthe composite foreground image preferably belong to a selected theme.The composite interior image is preferably generated by interlacing anon-composite interior image belonging to the selected theme with acaptured digital image. In addition, any image may be annotated withuser input text.

[0038] The integration module 510 combines images by deleting or hidingpixels which are “behind” other pixels. “Visible” pixels in one layercause pixels in the same position in a lower layer to be hidden ordeleted. “Invisible” pixels do not cause pixels below to be hidden ordeleted. For example, in the preferred embodiment, a digital image of aperson 102 in front of a green screen 110 is captured. The system usesthe large number of green pixels to find the outline of the person 102in a well known manner. Pixels outside the outline of the person 102 areconsidered “transparent.” In other words, background image pixels aredeleted where ever there is a person 102 in the interior image andbackground pixels remain wherever the green screen is captured in theinterior image. In other words, the green pixels are removed and thebackground pixels in the same positions are kept for the combined image.Similarly, a foreground image with pixels predefined as “transparent” ispreferably created. For example, a text message may be shown in theforeground image with all other pixels from the foreground image being“transparent” to the interior image and the background image.

[0039] If three layers are combined (e.g., a background, an interior,and a foreground), the integration module 510 preferably deletes aportion of the background image to create a specialized background imageand a portion of the interior image to create a specialized interiorimage. The portion of the background image deleted is preferablydependant on the interior image as described above. The portion of theinterior image deleted is preferably dependant on the foreground imageas described above. The three layers are then combined in a well knownmanner. Of course, a person of ordinary skill in the art will readilyappreciate that any number of layers may be combined. In order to saveprocessing time, the background image and the foreground image may beinterlaced prior to capturing the digital image used in the interiorimage.

[0040] Once a final composite image is created, the final compositeimage may be output in one or more ways. The final composite image maybe transmitted over the network 204 using a network transmitter 512. Thefinal composite image may be printed on a printer 114 via a print driver514. The final composite image may be displayed on a display device 518via a display driver 516.

[0041] The network transmitter 512 may be any type of well known networktransmitter, such as an Ethernet transmitter. The network transmitter512 may also be used to transmit web pages and other data to a clientdevice 202. For example, the network transmitter 512 may transmitplurality of graphic images indicative of a plurality of predeterminedtheme choices to facilitate theme selection by a remote user. Thenetwork transmitter 512 may also transmit a plurality of two dimensionalframes sequenced to produce a three dimensional illusion representing acomposite image.

[0042] The printer 114 may be any type of well known printer, such as anink jet printer, a dot matrix printer, or a laser printer. In apreferred embodiment, printing of the final composite image occurswithin minutes after a digital image incorporated into the finalcomposite image is captured at the point of purchase. In addition, theprinter 114 preferably prints a lenticular registration mark on theprinted image 116. The lenticular registration mark facilitatesrotational positioning of the lenticular surface 118 on the printedimage 116 and axial positioning of the lenticular surface 118 on theprinted image 116. Rotational positioning ensures that the parallellenses in the lenticular surface 118 line up with the interlaced framesin the composite image. Axial positioning is left/right positioning orup/down positioning to place the center frame (e.g., frame six) at thecenter viewing angle (i.e., perpendicular to the surface). In apreferred embodiment, the lenticular registration mark comprises aplurality of parallel lines, wherein each of the lines is a differentcolor.

[0043] The display device 518 may be any type of well known displaydevice, such as a cathode ray tube (CRT) or a liquid crystal display(LCD). The display device 518 may also be used to display a graphicalrepresentation of each of the predetermined themes to facilitate themeselection via a graphical user interface (GUI). The display device 518may also be used to display a graphical representation of a backgroundimage, a captured digital image, and/or a foreground image. Adjustmentsto the relative alignment of these images may be made with the help ofthe display device 518. The display device 518 may also display agraphical representation of the final composite image. In a preferredembodiment, the composite image is displayed using a plurality of twodimensional frames sequenced to produce a three dimensional illusion.

[0044] A flowchart of a process 600 for generating a multiple compositeimage is illustrated in FIG. 6. A multiple composite image is acomposite image generated from other composite images. Preferably, theprocess 600 is embodied in a software program which is stored in acomposite image generator memory 408, 414 and executed by the compositeimage generator CPU 404 in a well known manner. However, some or all ofthe steps of the process 600 may be performed manually and/or by anotherdevice. Although the process 600 is described with reference to theflowchart illustrated in FIG. 6, a person of ordinary skill in the artwill readily appreciate that many other methods of performing the actsassociated with process 600 may be used. For example, the order of manyof the steps may be changed without departing from the scope or spiritof the present invention. In addition, many of the steps described areoptional.

[0045] Generally, the process 600 causes the composite image generator112 to combine a prestored composite background image, a prestoredcomposite foreground image, and a composite interior image. Thecomposite interior image is preferably generated by the composite imagegenerator 112 by interlacing a prestored interior image with a captureddigital image. Portions of the composite background image are deleted orhidden based on the composite interior image. Similarly, portions of thecomposite interior image are deleted or hidden based on the compositeforeground image.

[0046] The process 600 begins when a plurality of composite backgroundimages are generated “ahead of time” (i.e., prior to digital imagecapture of the person 102 or other subject) by interlacing a pluralityof non-composite background images (step 602). Preferably, at least onecomposite background image is generated for each of a plurality ofthemes. For example, if the multiple composite image (i.e., the endproduct) is to produce a three dimensional effect which includes a“wall” of logos behind the plane of the paper the image is printed on, aseries of non-composite background images may include the logos invarious positions. If twelve “frames” are being used in the multiplecomposite image, twelve non-composite background images may be used foreach of the themes. Of course, any number of frames may be used(depending on printer resolution and lens size), and more than one framemay contain the same data.

[0047] Similarly, a plurality of composite foreground images arepreferably generated “ahead of time” by interlacing a plurality ofnon-composite foreground images (step 604). Preferably, at least onecomposite foreground image is generated for each of the themes. Forexample, if the multiple composite image is to produce a threedimensional effect which includes text and/or graphics “floating” infront of the plane of the paper the image is printed on, a series ofnon-composite foreground images may include the text in variouspositions. Once the background images and the foreground images areinterlaced, they may be used in any number of multiple composite imageswithout the need to perform interlacing on the background images or theforeground images again.

[0048] Subsequently, one or more digital images are captured (step 606).For example, a person's face may be captured by a digital camera. Thecaptured digital image may then be interlaced with a predeterminedinterior image to generate a composite interior image (step 608).Preferably, the predetermined interior image is part of a selectedtheme. The theme and/or the predetermined interior image may be selectedbefore or after the digital image is captured. For example, an interiorcomposite image which “flips” between the person's face and an animalmay be generated by interlacing the captured image with a stock animalimage. In such an instance, the same image may be repeated in adjacentframes (e.g., six frames of the person's face followed by six frames ofthe animal). Alternatively, more than one captured digital image may beinterlaced. For example, the interior image may flip between a firstperson's face and a second person's face.

[0049] In order to prepare the images for combing, the composite imagegenerator 112 generates a specialized background image by deleting aportion of the composite background image based on the compositeinterior image (step 610). Similarly, the composite image generator 112preferably generates a specialized composite interior image by deletinga portion of the composite interior image based on the compositeforeground image (step 612). The portions deleted or hidden are based onwell known digital image layering techniques and are described in detailabove.

[0050] Once the specialized composite background image, the specializedcomposite interior image, and the composite foreground image aredetermined, the composite image generator 112 combines the three layersin a well known manner (step 614). Of course, a person of ordinary skillin the art will readily appreciate that any number of layers may becombined.

[0051] A flowchart of a process 700 for producing a lenticular noveltyitem at a point of purchase is illustrated in FIG. 7. Preferably, theprocess 700 is embodied in a software program which is stored in acomposite image generator memory 408, 414 and executed by the compositeimage generator CPU 404 in a well known manner. However, some or all ofthe steps of the process 700 may be performed manually and/or by anotherdevice. Although the process 700 is described with reference to theflowchart illustrated in FIG. 7, a person of ordinary skill in the artwill readily appreciate that many other methods of performing the actsassociated with process 700 may be used. For example, the order of manyof the steps may be changed without departing from the scope or spiritof the present invention. In addition, many of the steps described areoptional.

[0052] Generally, the process 700 causes the composite image generator112 to receive a theme selection and a captured digital image. Imagesassociated with the selected theme and the captured digital image arethen interlaced and/or combined to produce a final composite image. Thefinal composite image is printed and a lenticular surface 118 is appliedto produce the lenticular novelty item 120 at a point of purchase.

[0053] The process 700 begins when the composite image generator 112causes a display device 518 to display a plurality of theme choices(step 702). In the preferred embodiment, the theme choices include textand/or graphics indicative of the associated themes. For example, onetheme choice may depict a lion while another theme choice depicts abear. A user (i.e., a customer or an operator) may then select a themeby selecting one of the text and/or graphics representations (step 704).For example, a touch screen or mouse input may be used to select thetext and/or graphics indicative of the associated theme. In anotherembodiment, a theme may be selected by entering a number or other codeinto the composite image generator 112. In such an instance, actualprinted samples with lenses and theme numbers attached may be availablefor theme determination.

[0054] Before or after theme selection, a person 102 is preferablypositioned in front of the backdrop 110 at the predetermined location104 (step 706). Subsequently, a digital image of the person 102 iscaptured at the point of purchase using a scanner or digital camera 108(step 708). Of course, in the event a scanner is used, a photo must beprovided for scanning, and step 706 may be skipped. As described above,the digital camera 108 may be any type of digital camera, such as adigital still camera and/or a digital video camera. Theme selectionprior to digital image capture allows for theme related posturing of theperson 102. Theme selection after digital image capture allows forinteractive on-screen theme selection which incorporates some or all ofthe captured digital image (i.e., previewing).

[0055] Once the digital image is captured, the image may be cropped orrepositioned digitally to facilitate combing the digital image withother images from the selected theme. Accordingly, the composite imagegenerator 112 preferably displays the captured digital image and adjuststhe captured digital image based on alignment inputs (step 710).Preferably, alignment inputs are generated in response to arrow keydepressions, mouse click and drag operations, and/or touch screeninputs.

[0056] Once the digital image is aligned (if necessary), the compositeimage generator 112 preferably generates a composite image by digitallycombining a background image, the captured digital image, and aforeground image (step 712). Preferably, the background image and theforeground image belong to the selected theme. In addition, the captureddigital image is preferably interlaced with an interior image from theselected theme.

[0057] Optionally, the composite image generator 112 may display arepresentation of the composite image (step 714). In one embodiment,animation is used to simulate the appearance of the composite imageafter the composite image is printed and placed under a lenticularsurface. For example, if twelve frames are interlaced in the compositeimage, a twelve frame animation is preferably produced. In such aninstance, a slider or other control may be available through the GUI toallow the user to move from frame to frame. In another embodiment, asingle image representing the composite image is displayed (e.g., one ofthe frames).

[0058] Once the composite image is generated, the composite image ispreferably printed at the point of purchase using a high resolutioncolor printer 114 (step 716). Preferably, the printed image 116 includesregistration marks of different colors as described above. By usingdifferent colors, the center frame (e.g., frame six), may be positionedfor a perpendicular viewing angle, thereby leaving approximately half ofthe frames to the “left” and half of the frames to the “right.”Subsequently, a lenticular surface 118 is attached to the printed image116 to produce the lenticular novelty item (step 718).

[0059] A flowchart of a process 800 for producing a lenticular noveltyitem interactively via the Internet is illustrated in FIG. 8.Preferably, the process 800 is embodied in a software program which isstored in a composite image generator memory 408, 414 and executed bythe composite image generator CPU 404 in a well known manner. However,some or all of the steps of the process 800 may be performed manuallyand/or by another device. Although the process 800 is described withreference to the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 8, a person of ordinaryskill in the art will readily appreciate that many other methods ofperforming the acts associated with process 800 may be used. Forexample, the order of many of the steps may be changed without departingfrom the scope or spirit of the present invention. In addition, many ofthe steps described are optional.

[0060] Generally, the process 800 causes the composite image generator112 to receive a theme identifier, a captured digital image, shippinginformation, and payment information from the client device 202. Imagesassociated with the selected theme and the captured digital image arethen interlaced and/or combined to produce a final composite image. Arepresentation of the final composite image may be transmitted to theclient device 202 for review. If the final composite image is approved,a printed version 116 of the composite image is produced, and alenticular surface 118 is applied to the printed image 116 to producethe lenticular novelty item 120. The lenticular novelty item 120 is thenshipped to the shipping address.

[0061] The process 800 begins when the composite image generator 112causes a network transmitter 410, 512 to transmit a plurality of themechoices to a client device 202 via a network 204 (step 802). The themechoices may include text and/or graphics indicative of the associatedthemes. A user at the client device 202 may then select a theme byselecting one of the text and/or graphics representations. As a result,the composite image generator 112 receives a theme identifieridentifying a theme (step 804). In addition, the composite imagegenerator 112 receives a digital image (e.g., a digital photo of aperson) from the client device 202 (step 806).

[0062] Once the digital image is received, the image may be cropped orrepositioned digitally to facilitate combing the digital image withother images from the selected theme. Preferably, alignment inputs aregenerated in response to arrow key depressions, mouse click and dragoperations, and/or touch screen inputs at the location of the compositeimage generator 112

[0063] Once the digital image is aligned (if necessary), the compositeimage generator 112 preferably generates a composite image by digitallycombining a background image, the captured digital image, and aforeground image (step 808). Preferably, the background image and theforeground image belong to the selected theme. In addition, the receiveddigital image is preferably interlaced with an interior image from theselected theme.

[0064] Optionally, the composite image generator 112 may transmit arepresentation of the composite image to the client device 202 (step810). As described above, in one embodiment, animation is used tosimulate the appearance of the finished lenticular novelty item. In suchan instance, software indicative of a slider or other control may betransmitted to the client device 202 to allow the user to move fromframe to frame. In another embodiment, a single image representing thecomposite image is transmitted to the client device 202.

[0065] Once the composite image is generated, the composite image ispreferably printed using a high resolution color printer 114 (step 812).Preferably, the printed image 116 includes registration marks ofdifferent colors as described above. Subsequently, a lenticular surface118 is attached to the printed image 116 to produce the lenticularnovelty item 120 (step 814). Preferably, the lenticular novelty item 120is also laminated to remove any air bubbles and provide a protectivelayer.

[0066] At some point during the process 800, the composite imagegenerator 112 preferably receives a shipping address and paymentinformation (step 816). Preferably, the lenticular novelty item isshipped to the shipping address (step 818) if payment can be obtainedusing the payment information.

[0067] In summary, persons of ordinary skill in the art will readilyappreciate that a method and apparatus for producing a lenticularnovelty item at a point of purchase has been provided. The foregoingdescription has been presented for the purposes of illustration anddescription. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the exemplary embodiments disclosed. Many modifications andvariations are possible in light of the above teachings. It is intendedthat the scope of the invention be limited not by this detaileddescription, but rather by the claims appended hereto.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of producing a lenticular novelty itemat a point of purchase, the method comprising the steps of: receiving auser input at a computing device located at the point of purchase, theuser input being indicative of a customer selection, the user inputidentifying one of a plurality of predetermined themes, the identifiedtheme including a foreground image and a background image; capturing adigital image of a person at the point of purchase; digitally combiningat least a portion of the background image, at least a portion of thecaptured digital image, and at least a portion of the foreground imageto create a final composite image; printing the final composite image atthe point of purchase to produce a printed image; and affixing alenticular surface to the printed image to produce the lenticularnovelty item.
 2. A method as defined in claim 1, further comprising thestep of displaying a graphical representation of each of the pluralityof predetermined themes on a display device operatively connected to thecomputing device at the point of purchase.
 3. A method as defined inclaim 2, wherein the step of receiving a user input identifying one of aplurality of predetermined themes comprises the step of receiving agraphical user interface selection associated with one of the graphicalrepresentations of the plurality of predetermined themes.
 4. A method asdefined in claim 1, further comprising the step of displaying agraphical representation of the captured digital image on a displaydevice operatively connected to the computing device at the point ofpurchase.
 5. A method as defined in claim 4, further comprising the stepof receiving alignment inputs at the computing device, the alignmentinputs causing a change in relative proximity of the captured digitalimage and the background image in the final composite image.
 6. A methodas defined in claim 1, further comprising the step of displaying agraphical representation of the final composite image on a displaydevice operatively connected to the computing device at the point ofpurchase.
 7. A method as defined in claim 6, wherein the step ofdisplaying a graphical representation of the final composite imagecomprises the step of displaying a plurality of two dimensional framessequenced to produce a three dimensional illusion.
 8. A method asdefined in claim 1, further comprising the step of positioning theperson in a predetermined location relative to a digital camera.
 9. Amethod as defined in claim 8, further comprising the step of positioningthe person in front of a solid colored background.
 10. A method asdefined in claim 1, further comprising the steps of: operativelycoupling a digital camera to the computing device before the step ofcapturing a digital image of a person; and transferring the captureddigital image to the computing device automatically in response to thestep of capturing the digital image.
 11. A method as defined in claim 1,wherein the step of digitally combining comprises the steps of:retrieving a composite background image; retrieving a compositeforeground image; deleting a portion of the composite background imageto create a specialized background image, the portion of the compositebackground image deleted being dependant on the captured digital image;deleting a portion of the captured digital image to create a specializedinterior image, the portion of the captured digital image deleted beingdependant on the composite foreground image; and digitally combining thespecialized background image, the specialized interior image, and thecomposite foreground image to create the final composite image.
 12. Amethod as defined in claim 1, wherein the identified theme includes ainterior image and the step of digitally combining comprises the step ofinterleaving the portion of the captured digital image with the interiorimage.
 13. A method as defined in claim 1, further comprising the stepof printing a lenticular registration mark on the printed image, thelenticular registration mark facilitating rotational positioning of thelenticular surface on the printed image and axial positioning of thelenticular surface on the printed image.
 14. A method as defined inclaim 1, wherein the step of affixing a lenticular surface to theprinted image comprises the step of affixing a lenticular surfaceincluding an adhesive material exposed by peeling back a cover layer.15. An apparatus for producing a lenticular novelty item at a point ofpurchase, the apparatus comprising: a user input module structured toreceive a user input identifying one of a plurality of predeterminedthemes; a memory device operatively coupled to the user input module,the memory device storing a foreground image and a background imageassociated with the identified theme; a digital image capture modulestructured to capture a digital image at the point of purchase; anintegration module operatively coupled to the digital image capturemodule and the memory module, the integration module being structured tocombine at least a portion of the background image, at least a portionof the captured digital image, and at least a portion of the foregroundimage to create a final composite image; and printer driver operativelycoupled to the integration module, the printer driver being structuredto cause a printer to print the final composite image at the point ofpurchase to produce a printed image.
 16. An apparatus as defined inclaim 15, further comprising a display driver structured to generatedisplay signal indicative of a graphical representation of each of theplurality of predetermined themes.
 17. An apparatus as defined in claim16, wherein the user input module is structured to receive a graphicaluser interface input identifying one of the plurality of predeterminedthemes.
 18. An apparatus as defined in claim 15, further comprising adisplay driver structured to generate display signal indicative of agraphical representation of the captured digital image.
 19. An apparatusas defined in claim 18, wherein the user input module is structured toreceive alignment inputs causing a change in relative proximity of thecaptured digital image and the background image in the final compositeimage.
 20. An apparatus as defined in claim 15, further comprising adisplay driver structured to generate display signal indicative of agraphical representation of the final composite image.
 21. An apparatusas defined in claim 20, wherein the display driver is structured togenerate display signal indicative of a plurality of two dimensionalframes sequenced to produce a three dimensional illusion.
 22. Anapparatus as defined in claim 15, further comprising an interlacerstructured to generate a composite background image and a compositeforeground image.
 23. An apparatus as defined in claim 22, wherein theinterlacer is further structured to generate a composite interior imageusing the captured digital image and a predefined interior image storedin the memory device.
 24. An apparatus as defined in claim 15, whereinthe integration module is structured to: retrieve a composite backgroundimage; retrieve a composite foreground image; delete a portion of thecomposite background image to create a specialized background image, theportion of the composite background image deleted being dependant on thecaptured digital image; delete a portion of the captured digital imageto create a specialized interior image, the portion of the captureddigital image deleted being dependant on the composite foreground image;and digitally combine the specialized background image, the specializedinterior image, and the composite foreground image to create the finalcomposite image.
 25. An apparatus as defined in claim 15, wherein theprinter driver is structured to print a lenticular registration mark onthe printed image, the lenticular registration mark facilitatingrotational positioning of the lenticular surface on the printed imageand axial positioning of the lenticular surface on the printed image.26. A method of producing a lenticular novelty item at a point ofpurchase, the method comprising the steps of: generating a compositebackground image; generating a composite foreground image; capturing adigital image of a person at the point of purchase after the steps ofgenerating the composite background image and the composite foregroundimage; deleting a portion of the composite background image to create aspecialized background image, the portion of the composite backgroundimage deleted being dependant on the captured digital image; deleting aportion of the captured digital image to create a intermediate digitalimage, the portion of the captured digital image deleted being dependanton the composite foreground image; digitally combining the specializedbackground image, the intermediate digital image, and the compositeforeground image to create a multiple composite image; printing themultiple composite image at the point of purchase to produce a printedimage; and affixing a lenticular surface to the printed image to producethe lenticular novelty item.
 27. A method as defined in claim 26,further comprising the step of displaying a graphical representation ofeach of the plurality of predetermined themes on a display deviceoperatively connected to the computing device at the point of purchase.28. A method as defined in claim 26, further comprising the step ofreceiving alignment inputs, the alignment inputs causing a change inrelative proximity of the captured digital image and a predeterminedinterior image.
 29. A method as defined in claim 28, further comprisingthe step of interlacing the captured digital image and the predeterminedinterior image.
 30. A method as defined in claim 26, further comprisingthe step of displaying a plurality of two dimensional frames sequencedto produce a three dimensional illusion representing the lenticularnovelty item.
 31. A method as defined in claim 26, further comprisingthe step of printing a lenticular registration mark on the printedimage, the lenticular registration mark facilitating rotationalpositioning of the lenticular surface on the printed image and axialpositioning of the lenticular surface on the printed image.